Author: shaun

Choosing the right power access platform for property maintenance

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. We make decisions every day of our lives. Some are simple and carry no risk – like deciding what to have for breakfast: bacon and eggs or cereal? There are the daily decisions like crossing the road: low risk if chosen carefully. Other decisions, especially business ones that involve money are high risk and require careful consideration.

Growing your business and acquiring specialist equipment is a major consideration and requires a lot of preparatory work. In an SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) it’s all too easy to put off big decisions, the day to day operations and workload have a nasty habit of getting in the way. But without thinking about your business and where you want to be, you run the risk of treading water and letting your competitors gain the advantage.

Stand back and look at what your competitors are doing. Are they getting the sort of jobs you would like to get, are their businesses visibly growing whilst yours isn’t? Are you giving the best service you can to your existing customers? Is there something you could offer them but can’t at the moment? Would a better power access platform meet the need? If so, which one? Asking these pertinent questions will generate a lot of information as you do your research.

Five point buying decision plan

1: Gather the raw information – specific and general
Specific : about the equipment, your service and customers
General : general knowledge about life and events that touch on the specifics above

2: Inwardly digest
Turn the raw information over in your mind and look at it from different directions. Bring the facts together and see how they fit. When ideas, even partial ideas, begin to form jot them down. Don’t bother to try and analyse and develop at this stage. Just make a list of what might work, what’s needed and potential customers.

3: Forget it!
So far it’s been the conscious mind that’s been working. At this stage you probably can’t see the wood for the trees. Take a break from the decision thinking. The mind is a wondrous thing. It works on two levels: the conscious and the unconscious. Spend some time doing what you enjoy doing out of work: a weekend with the family; watch that film you’ve been meaning to see; attend a local event; fit an early morning walk into your schedule. As a businessman once said: “chill out and sleep on it for a week”

4: It appears!
Sometimes you wake up at 3 in the morning with a solution; or when out on an early morning walk, the ideas float before your mind and the puzzle comes together. It may not be fully formed but you will have a good grasp of what needs to be done.

5. Make it reality
At this stage, share what you have with others: family, friends, colleagues, advisors. Invite comments and criticism. Hone it and perfect it.

Ask the experts
At any point you can get in touch with the experts at Promax Access. Run your ideas past them and ask which powered access platform would best meet your needs. Need to reach a certain height? Want to expand your building maintenance capabilities? Want to work both indoors and outdoors? Promax Access provide an extensive range of solutions along with honest advice and an excellent reputation. They can be contacted by phone or email using the website contact page. Or you can use the website “Chat” facility.

Take advantage of the best.

Promax Access sell a variety of equipment available for working at height.

Raise your powered access expectations

If you are a small business owner in the property maintenance market, you will probably be using ladders and scaffolding to reach those jobs that need doing at height. Whilst first floor windows and guttering can be reached using ladders or erecting scaffolding, the larger commercial contracts require a more efficient and safer means of working at height.

Growing your business means winning more commercial contracts and that means becoming more flexible and efficient in fulfilling contracts. Powered access platforms are efficient, safe and can cut time and costs for most jobs at height but investing in plant is a big decision for many companies.

The options are to rent, buy or lease the equipment. There are pros and cons to all three and discussing with your accountant will help you to decide which is most advantageous to you. You will need to evaluate your current circumstances, your capabilities and your future plans.

When deciding which finance method to use a simple rule of thumb may help your decision process. If the equipment will be not be used more than 60 to 70 percent of the time, then start with renting. So if you are pursuing a new contract that is short-term, then renting may be the best option. It has its advantages: a specific machine can be rented for particular work, usually for the length of the contract. This will give you experience in operating the access platform and fulfilling the contract on time and within budget. However, the risk is that if the equipment is not being used because of a change in project schedule or an unforeseen hold-up, you still foot the rental cost and your profit on the contract could go out of the window.

After gaining some experience by using rented powered access platforms and with a few larger jobs starting to appear on the horizon, then buying or leasing might become a better financial option. As with all purchasing decisions start with a few simple considerations.

1 – chose the right equipment for your needs.
Consider both now and for the foreseeable future (2 to 3 years). An ideal entry machine would be the Spider 13.65. This is a versatile MEWP which is road towable by trailer behind a 4×4 or van. It has a simple intuitive operating system and an air/water power line to the cage. With a working height of over 40 feet and an outreach of 20 feet, it is ideal for property inspection and maintenance.

2 – weigh up the finance options.Some suppliers offer finance plans for customers to help them buy the plant they need. Look for accredited lending schemes with payment options including hire purchase, leases and contract hire. Promax Access has a number of options available and their friendly staff can guide you through the entire process.

3 – talk to your accountant.Discuss your financial plans and seek any tax benefits. Talk to them about Enterprise Finance Schemes and any help that may be offered to local businesses (for example: by Finance For Enterprise)

A final thought…

Don’t forget savings could be made by purchasing a pre-owned access platform, but just like buying a used car, check its service/maintenance history and whether it comes with new LOLER certification. From time to time Promax Access have specially selected equipment available.

Reaching new heights in the glazing industry

The use of more glass in buildings is becoming increasingly more popular with architects. Innovative technology will allow for more unusual shapes as well as more sustainable products to be produced with glass. But what about cleaning glass structures at height?

It’s used in windows, facades, roofs, elevators, balcony railings and internal structures such as stairs and inter-level pathways. Not only is “structural glazing” becoming more popular but high-tech coatings to the glazing provide higher energy efficiency.

There are two other key factors:

Firstly, in terms of being environmentally friendly, 30 percent of the raw materials for new glass comes from melted old glass.

Secondly, it’s hygienic and easy to maintain.

However, safely cleaning glass structures at height can be challenging. Whilst easy to clean and maintain, reaching the exact place to carry out the cleaning and maintenance can be the hard part.

Spider lift access platforms with their manouverability and telescopic booms provide the safest method of accessing those high glazing structures, both indoors and outside.

Which Access Platform is Best For Cleaning Glass Structures at Height?

Whether the access platform is bought or hired, there are some essential questions to answer:

• What height does the operator need to reach?

• How far out?

• What weight will be lifted?

• What size cage will be needed?

• Is the cage detachable?

• The turret rotation that is required?

• What length “working envelope” is needed?

• What power source is needed?

• For access – what minimum width and height are needed?

• For ground surface – the total weight of the platform?

• Is remote radio control needed?

Expert advice

Promax Access has been a market leader in the UK for over 15 years. They are not only leading providers, but also pioneers of powered access work platforms and lifting equipment solutions. Our team of experts and engineers are available to answer questions and provide guidance in choosing the most suitable powered access platform.

We can be contacted by phone or email using the website contact page. Or you can use our handy website “Chat” facility.

Take advantage of our expertise to develop new customers in the expanding world of “structural glazing”.

“I run a property management company. Can you tell me why I should consider your powered access platforms for property maintenance” A question we often hear at Promax.

That’s simple. All buildings require regular maintenance to protect the value of the owners’ investment. From domestic buildings to large industrial and commercial structures they all need the same protection from the elements.

Guttering and pipes need cleaning and repairing; facias and soffits need treatment and replacing; roofs suffer storm damage; electrical and communication cables need installing and checking; bird damaged areas need cleaning and spike deterrents installed; brickwork needs repointing; cladding needs installing or replaced. These are just a few of the jobs that property owners turn to buildings maintenance companies to get done.

Powered Access Platforms for Property Maintenance

For the property maintenance specialist, all these jobs require working at height safely and efficiently. Our powered access platforms for property maintenance (MEWP or “Cherry Picker”) is essential.They are versatile, compact and accessible. Their ability to work in confined spaces and on difficult terrain along with a high level of outreach and reduced ground pressure provide outstanding performance. They are user friendly with intuitive operating systems providing an efficient and secure working space for personnel.

To Sub-Contract or Not to Sub-Contract?

Many property management companies sub-contract the maintenance of their buildings to specialist firms. These are companies that offer not only access platforms, but also highly skilled personnel. This is an outgoing that companies will pay from profits. They perceive using the correct machinery and working safely at height as a costly expense. However, they want the work carried out as cost efficiently as possible without a compromise to quality. Actually owning your own powered access platform for property maintenance is a cost effective way key to success in this area of your business.

Promax Access Specialise in Access Platforms

We can help to source the correct high level access platform to suit your specific requirements and realistic budgets. Our range of equipment reaches from head height up to nine or ten story buildings. Our powered access platforms for building maintenance are suitable for both internal and external work. They are transport easily and will access through narrow passageways and doors. The Promax team have extensive experience and advice and is just a phone call away.

If you are looking to win larger contracts in Property and Building Maintenance then the addition of a powered access platform is a key step to success.

Gain the Powered Access advantage

Ladders and abseiling are often used but there are inherent risksin carrying equipment and getting water to windows above two storeys. Many new buildings have large windows, often with glass domes and atriums. The more traditional methods have difficulty in getting to these hard to reach places.

Power Access Platforms for window cleaning are much safer and larger window areas be cleaned more quickly. Getting closer to the glass allows for a cleaner, more professional finish.

Buildings where powered access platforms for window cleaning excel…

Your business may already be working in some of these sectors, but if you are looking to expand your existing operation with high access equipment, or thinking of entering new markets, then purchasing a new powered access platform will give you a very competitive edge.

The experts at Promax Access can help in choosing the right machine (often referred to as a MEWP – Mobile Elevated Working Platform – or more colloquially, a Cherry Picker).They offer free advice and also guidance, taking into consideration your specific requirements.

Things to consider…

• The ability to work both outdoors and indoors

• Use in narrow access spaces

• Reach heights up to 100 feet

• Dual power options (e.g. no diesel fumes in Malls)

• Raise the operator with cleaner’s scraper and also plenty of water to exact requirements

Example One

You want to get more contracts where the requirement is to reach heights up to 4 stories and with an outreach of 20 feet. The work is indoors but with a standard door width access restriction. Schools and academic buildings might be an example. A suitable power access platform would be a SPIDER 13.65.

Example Two

You may already be working in the Shopping Malls sector but are also looking at expanding into exhibition buildings with vast architectural glass structures. Again the requirement is for use both indoors and out but with a working height of 100 feet and an outreach of 50 feet. An industry leading solution is the Promax Access SPIDER 33.15. With it’s telescopic lower and upper boom arrangement, this machine provides a unique up-and-over working envelope, with smooth and stable operation.

Both these machines have an Air/Water and power line to the cage. This facilities not just window cleaning, but also permits high pressure cleaning of external walls, cladding and gutters.

SummaryThese are just two examples from the Promax Access powered access platform for window cleaning range. Study the market you want to enter or expand into and choose the right working height and outreach you require from our range of equipment.

Reducing trapping and crushing incidents

Serious trapping / crushing accidents and deaths have been reported in all industries, particularly for temporary working at height in construction and maintenance sectors along with a variety of other trades including electrical contractors, painters and decorators, arborists and tree services.

Many accidents are caused by MEWP users whose main job is electrician/painter or similar activity and use powered access platforms infrequently. With infrequent use it is easy to forget the initial training both for the MEWP being used and the safety and rescue procedures that should be in place.

Although powered access platforms make working at height safer and more efficient, it is both employers and users who are liable if the people in charge of the machinery are not properly trained.

Under UK health and safety laws and work at height regulations, training in the use of powered access is compulsory. Anyone working with the equipment needs to know how to inspect it, to operate it safely, and to recognise and avoid any potential hazards. As well as this general training, they should also be given familiarisation training on the specific model that they will be working with.

The risk assessment from the ground should identify any overhead or adjacent objects that may cause problems. Many MEWP occupants have been trapped against overhead or adjacent obstructions whilst in the platform, especially when the operator has been trapped over the controls.

There are a number of key factors have been identified that contribute to operators being trapped or crushed whilst within the powered access platform basket.

• Working alone – if nobody sees or hears the problems in the raised basket, the resultant delay in getting help can be crucial. All MEWPs should be fitted with ground controls for emergency rescue with the ground member of the team being fully trained in their use. (Even older machines can be retro-fitted with ground controls.)• Operator error – is still a major factor in working at height accidents. There is no standard control panel on MEWPs and if the infrequent operator needs to change to a different machine, the wrong lever may be operated or even accidentally knocked if the controls are fitted very close together.• Overhead hazards – failure to perceive and identify potential hazards in the surrounding workplace area, not just above but all round. In tree work falling branches may snag and bring down adjacent branches directly into the basket.• Leaning over the side rail – accidents have been reported where the operator has been leaning over the side rail whilst manoeuvring.• Poor ground conditions – failure to allow for bad weather, hidden drains and soft sub-soil is another contributor.

Many of these risk scenarios can be reduced by good and frequent training. Every manager and operator needs to ensure their training is current and that their PAL card is valid for the machine being used.

The Advantages of Powered Access Platforms for Arborists

The correct tree trimming tools and equipment are essential but often bulky when trying to work safely at height. To get people, tools and equipment to the correct height there are times when traditional working solutions can limit productivity and endanger the arborist.

Powered access platforms offer a flexible way to reach jobs at height – they are fully mobile and can access areas with restricted space, improve site safety, and save money.

Mobility

Spider lift access platforms have the advantage of being transported, set up and utilised quickly and easily with flexibility, depending on the demands of the job. Spider lift access platforms are lightweight with low ground pressure, especially advantageous when working near garden pathways and manicured lawns.

Placing the MEWP carefully and raising the platform allows the operator to get a close view of potential tree cutting problems that are not always seen from the ground. Identification of dangerous branches and potential fall areas for cut wood will help reduce the risk of accidents. Tools can be safely taken to where they are needed without the risk of hauling up by rope.

Safety

With no arduous climbing to the crown and working from a stable platform, the arborist can get a good view of the work that needs to be done without putting themselves and others in a hazardous situation.

Familiarisation with the powered access equipment manual is essential reading along with a pre-work risk assessment. Training in the use of access equipment is required by law and will benefit businesses as the equipment can be used safely, quickly and efficiently by a small number of staff.

Cost effective

Reducing the time needed to manually climb and haul tools up into the tree can reduce the time needed for individual jobs. More jobs done in a week will help raise productivity and profit. In addition the reduction of time needed at the location can mean less obstruction and inconvenience to others.

Using a powered access platform when providing a tree surgeon service enables the optimum tools to be used when working on the tree. Working efficiently and effectivity will raise the quality of work done leading to higher customer satisfaction and recommendation of your tree services.

Summary

Whether you are looking to buy or hire the equipment for arboreal work, powered access platforms, are mobile, safe and flexible. They resolve a number of issues posed by traditional rope climbing and lifting methods including access to hard to reach and potentially hazardous areas. With the correct procedures in place, health and safety risks are reduced whilst jobs can be completed in less time. Whatever the size and location of your job, they are easy to operate and install, safe to use and can cater for a range of needs and requirements to enhance your tree services.

Aerial Rescue from Powered Access Platforms

Even with the right equipment tree cutting at height demands safe working practices. Good climbing techniques should include the regular practice of rescue for operatives who get into difficulty. A minimum of two people must be present during tree climbing and working at height operations. At least one ground member must be competent and trained to perform a rescue from a raised platform.

Good planning is essential:
• A daily programme for the tree work should be established.
• A contact procedure established with a designated person
• Two-way radio / mobile phone communication between ground and raised platform

The Risk Assessment
As part of the pre-work risk assessment, emergency procedures for the recovery and evacuation of casualties needs to be established. All operatives and ground workers need to be trained in these procedures. When a rescue is needed, all precautions must be taken to safeguard other team members. Restrict access to trained rescue personnel only.

Before the Rescue If overhead power cables are involved, stop work and call the relevant electricity authority.
Try and assess the condition of the casualty. If necessary call the emergency services before attempting the rescue. Help them by giving the exact location and any site access problems they may encounter. Pass on the casualty’s personal details, time of the incident and any treatment given. Notify if any chemicals have been involved.

Worksite Rescue Equipment
The minimum rescue kit that always needs to be available includes:
• First Aid kit
• Climber’s harness and associated ropes, karabiners and associated equipment
• Other climbing equipment including ladders, ropes and climbing irons
• Sharp knife with retractable blade suitable for cutting ropes. Care must be taken when cutting tensioned ropes.

During the course of the rescue assess the situation and send for more equipment as necessary.

The Casualty
• Where possible give reassurances, minimise panic but also encourage self-help
• The rescue method chosen should minimise risk to the rescuer and prevent further injury to the casualty
• If MEWPs or cranes are required for the rescue, ensure the equipment is used by trained operators only

Climbing to the Casualty
• Select a climbing method and get to the casualty as quickly and safely as possible
• If climbing equipment and trained personnel are available, use them to quickly reach the casualty
• Assess the hazards and choose appropriate tree cutting equipment to remove branches that may impede the rescue
• Make the surrounding area safe from hazards
• Assess the casualty’s condition and apply first-aid as necessary
• Take care with serious injuries such as fractures, crush or spinal injuries and only move under trained medical supervision (e.g. paramedics).

Descending with the Casualty
• The rescuer should monitor changes in the casualty’s condition and keep them calm
• The rescuer must ensure their own safety and be securely anchored at all times to enable a safe descent
• Rescuer and casualty should descend together easing movement through branches
• Densely packed branches may require an alternative rescue method

Completing the Rescue
After helping the paramedics and escorting safely from site…
• Ensure site is safe and secure
• Take names and contact details of any witnesses
• Take photos of the site
• Any equipment that is in the incident must not put back into use until it has a thorough examination by a qualified person
• Record in Accident Book and notify management
• Ensure compliance with RIDDOR requirements (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)

Summary
Good planning as well as regular practice are key to safe rescue operations. An incident may not occur for years, or it could happen tomorrow. All those using powered access platforms are responsible for the safe rescue of operators and staff whenever it is required.

Tree Lopping Equipment – Safety for arborists

Your pre-use risk assessment will determine if a spiderlift is the right equipment for tree work at height. Just as important as checking the suitability of the MEWP chosen for the task is checking the personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the operatives.

Serious accidents do occur in arboreal and forestry work. Tree work has a major incidence rate higher than the construction industry. Whether you own or hire a spiderlift, it is your responsibility to ensure staff are correctly trained and equipped.

PPE without a chainsaw

PPE for operatives using the basket but not a chainsaw should protect the head, feet, hands.
• The safety helmet should comply with BS EN 397 or BS EN 12492
• Protective boots complying with BS EN 345-1 should be worn
• Work gloves that are suitable for the task in hand

PPE with a chainsaw

Because of the inherent dangers of using a chainsaw whilst working at height, especially from flying sawdust and falling branches, protective equipment is essential. In addition to the head, feet and hands – eye, ear and leg protection are needed.
• As above the safety helmet should also comply with BS EN 397 or BS EN 12492
• Eye protection (especially from flying wood splinters) which can be either a mesh visor complying with BS EN 1731, or safety glasses to BS EN 166
• Hearing protection complying with BS EN 352
• Protective boots need to be stronger with good grip, protective guarding at the upper front and instep, and comply with BS EN ISO 20345. Look out for the chainsaw logo.
• Leg protection and groin protection complying with BS EN 381-5: Type A or C
• Appropriate gloves subject to the operator’s risk assessment

Additional PPE for all operatives

• Wear non-snag outer clothing – high visibility if justified by risk assessment
• Carry a personal first-aid kit that includes a large wound dressing
• Carry a suitable knife with a retractable blade

Summary
The wearing of Personal Protection Equipment by the tree-work gang is essential. Only trained and authorised people should operate the spiderlift. A spiderlift also requires minimum of two people to operate it and the ground staff must be able to operate the emergency controls on the platform below.

Promax Access specialise in providing high access tree cutting equipment for the Forestry industry and tree cutting services. We can offer a wealth of advice on choosing the right access platform for the job. Contact us now.

Tree work with powered access platforms and the effect of the wind

Just as the sailor keeps a “weather eye” on the wind, so must the MEWP operator and workforce. As part of the pre-work risk assessment it is important not to forget the possible effects of a change in wind speed. This is particularly so for those offering tree work.

A powered access platform that works outside will operate up to a maximum wind speed that will have a mark on the machine or available in the hand manual. Operation above the maximum wind speed could cause instability and affect the safety of both operator and those below. As a guide, wind speeds above 28mph pose a safety risk making it uncomfortable and dangerous for the operator to continue to work.

Other Wind Factors During Tree Work

Other wind factors may also increase the risk of accidents during tree work. Wind chill has a serious impact on the ability to work safely at height. On a cool calm day with a temperature of 10 degrees C, it may feel comfortable enough. However, when the wind rises to 20mph the effect on the hands and face is to lower it to 0 degrees! If work was to begin at 0 degrees C on the ground and the wind become to rise to 20mph, then the effect on the skin comes -15 degrees C. Obviously it is important to wear very warm clothing at such temperatures.

It should always be remembered that wind speed increases with height. At 20 metres above ground it could increase by 50%. The recommendation is that operators carry with them a hand held anemometer that they can quickly check at platform level. This essential piece of arborist equipment is available for less than £10 and measures wind speed, wind gust, wind chill and temperature. The anemometer comes with a lanyard for all powered access platform operators.

The Beaufort Wind Force Scale

This wind force scale was devised at the beginning of the 19th century. It is still useful today as it is based on visual and subjective observation. The normal scale ranges from zero to 10. Working at height on at the scale of zero to 5 is considered safe. However at Level 6 – Strong Breeze – opertaters will be more cautious. Wind speed at this level ranges from 25 to 31 mph. The “safe” speed of 28 mph can easily move into a dangerous situation. All tree work at levels above Level 6 is completely unsafe.Summary
Always include wind speed in the pre-start risk assessment and monitor throughout the progress of the tree service. The hand held anemometer is a cheap practical tool for tree work when operating in the raised basket. A quick check will reduce the risk of instability and highlight freezing “wind chill” conditions.